05 Top Tourist Attractions in Graz & Easy Day Trips
As a result of abundance of historically significant buildings, today Graz is an important cultural center that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. Graz is also the birthplace of Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, and has a small museum dedicated to it. for his career.
To help you make the most of your Austria itinerary, be sure to check out the top places to see in Graz on this list of city attractions
1. Morinsal (Mur Island)
Another Greek landmark commemorating the city, which was awarded the role of European Capital of Culture in 2003, is a man-made island known as Morinsal, or Moor Island. Made entirely of steel and resembling a large inverted seashell, it is in fact a 47-meter-long floating island in the middle of the River Mur, connected to its banks by two footbridges.
The central part contains a unique amphitheater which is used for concerts and other events. There is also a café and a children’s playground with a rope maze and a slide.
2. Graz Cathedral
Graz’s Late Gothic St. Gall Cathedral (Grazer Dom) One of the best things to do for free in Graz, and a must-see. It was built between 1438 and 1462 on the site of an older church dedicated to Saint Giles and first mentioned in 1174.
Particularly important is the entrance, which is adorned with the coat of arms of its builder, Emperor Frederick III.
On the outer south wall, which faces a small square, are remains of late Gothic fresco. Dating from 1485, it is called Landplagen Blood and depicts Greece threatened by pestilence and plagues of Turks and locusts.
Also impressive is the predominantly Baroque interior, separated from the wide nave choir by a narrow triumphal arch containing two fine tapestries from 1477. The choir, surmounted by a high altar, is notable for its altarpiece depicting the Miracle of St Giles. While the corridors contain many beautiful monuments and altars.
3. Graz Mausoleum
After visiting the cathedral, be sure to visit the shrine next door. Built in the early 17th century, along with the cathedral and St. Catherine’s Church (Katherinenkirche) for Emperor Ferdinand II, you’ll find the Tomb Chapel with its stunning artwork and statues.
It is referred to as the “City Crown” among the locals because of its elevation and stunning views. The steps leading up to the shrine make for a great place to take selfies.
4. Mariatrost Basilica
The Baroque Mariatrost Basilica sits atop a hill that leads to more than 200 steps that pilgrims climb and recite messages. The interior of the famous pilgrimage church is Baroque, although the Madonna on the high altar is of late Gothic origin.
Highlights are the Veit Königer pulpit of 1779 and the inlaid side altars and frescoes. There are stunning views from the basilica, and it’s a favorite spot to watch the sunset. To get to it from the main grez, take Tram 1, called Mariatrost, to the last stop.
5. Schloss Eggenberg
Schloss Eggenberg is located on top of a hill just three kilometers west of Graz city centre. This magnificent Baroque palace from 1635 has four grand towers, fine state apartments, and rich Rococo furnishings.
Interior highlights include the walls and ceilings of the Banquet Hall, a colorful masterpiece of Baroque architecture with more than 600 artifacts, including signs of the zodiac and planetary systems.
This theme continues in the reception room, known as the Planetary Room, which is part of a suite of 24 stately rooms decorated by Styrian artist Hans Adam Weisenkircher.
Also worth noting is the Alte Gallery, a collection of fine art, including the famous Edmonton Madonna of 1320, Lambrecht votive tablets from 1440, and numerous Baroque sculptures and paintings. Guided tours are available in English.
6. The Natural History Museum
Granted by Archduke Johann in 1811 – also part of the larger Universalmuseum Joanneum group of city-owned cultural institutions – the Museum of Natural History is one of the most important museums in Graz. Spread over several floors, its large collections include numerous artifacts, artifacts, and displays related to geology, zoology, and botany.
You’ll also learn about the region’s history from when the Earth was formed through its fascinating exhibits on fossils, Ice Age creatures, and ancient volcanoes.
7. The Municipal Park and Botanical Gardens
Graz Stadtpark, with its modern opera house at the eastern end of the Opernring, was laid out in 1869 on the site of the old city fortifications. A highlight of this large municipal park is the Emperor Franz Joseph Fountain surrounded by many dignitaries and monuments, including many of Austria’s most famous writers, scientists, and politicians.
The second largest park in the city is the Botanical Gardens, located in the most luxurious residential area of the city. Known for its modern greenhouse with exotic plants from around the world, the garden’s offerings are divided into four main climate zones: tropical, Mediterranean, temperate, and alpine. Each can be accessed via a series of pleasant wooden walkways and bridges.
Day Trips from Graz
1. Austrian Open-Air Museum Stuebing
Considered one of the best open-air museums in Europe (it’s also the largest in Austria), this massive facility preserves 98 historic farm buildings from around the country. The museum was actually created to showcase their construction and how people lived and worked in them throughout history.
This immersion in six centuries of rural Austria also preserves folk skills, crafts, and traditions. 76 original historic buildings have been carefully dismantled in their original locations and reconstructed here, while the remainder are replicas of the originals that cannot be moved.
In addition to the houses and barns, the collection includes a dugout, rope walk, oil press, corn mill, blacksmith and craft shop, wine press, beer hut, windmill, and several styles of alpine cottages. You can sample typical local cuisine at Gasthaus Zum Göller.
2. Voitsberg and Lipizzaner Stud Farm
One of the most beautiful areas in Steyrene is located around Wötzburg. For great views of the area, climb the ruins of Krems Castle (Peregrine Krems), where you’ll also find modern art galleries and gardens.
More romantic and woodland among its ruins are the stone walls of nearby Neulenrode Castle. Also stop to see the intricate paintings on the church’s facade in the village of Tregist, near Voitsberg.
Wuytsburgh is home to the famous Lipzner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, the oldest purebred horse breed in Europe. It is bred at the Piper Federal Stud in the village of Piper, about an hour’s drive from Graz. The baroque palace serves as a visitor center, and you can see white Lipizzaners in the barn with their black plumage. Take a look around or join a guided tour that includes the stables, monk’s shop, and museum. There is a playground and adventure trail for children, and you can book rides in a buggy pulled by a team of Lipizzaners.